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Asian American Studies

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Pursue Asian American Studies at Fordham

About the Asian American studies minor

There’s no better place to explore Asian American studies than NYC, home to the largest Asian American population in the continental United States.

At Fordham, you’ll study how historical events have shaped Asian American and other diasporic communities, with a special focus on the rich culture and coalitions they’ve built. You’ll also have access to hands-on experience and internship opportunities at iconic cultural institutions like the Asian American Writers’ Workshop and the Museum of Chinese in America—all while building the critical thinking skills to succeed in any field.

Our graduates go on to …

  • Careers in law, education, healthcare, journalism, and more
  • Prominent Asian American community organizations and cultural institutions in and beyond NYC
  • Prestigious graduate and professional programs

Visit the Asian American studies program page

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Asian American studies program profile

  • Rose Hill CampusMinor
    Rose Hill
  • Lincoln Center CampusMinor
    Lincoln Center

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Program at a glance

No. 1

NYC is home to the largest Asian American population in the continental United States

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interdisciplinary courses spanning literature, history, journalism, anthropology, art history, theology, and psychology

First of Its Kind

Fordham’s Center on Asian Americans and the Law, a pioneering hub and platform for interdisciplinary scholarship, was founded in 2022 by professor Thomas Lee and the Hon. Denny Chin, senior judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit

70+

majors and minors to pair with your interest in Asian American studies and graduate with a degree that helps you explore how race, gender, and capital intersect

Law, Education, Social Work, Healthcare, Government, and Community Organizing

industries where Asian American studies minors find jobs and internships

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major Asian American cultural and community organizations in NYC where students may intern, inlcuding the Asian American Writers’ Workshop, Kundiman, the Museum of Chinese in America, and Pan-Asian Repertory Theatre

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Asian American Studies in Action

Professor Stephen Hong Sohn at his installation ceremony. Photos by Chris Taggart

Elevating Asian American Literature                    

Learn why Professor Stephen Hong Sohn says Asian American literature “always responds to the historical moment.”

Fordham Center Asian Americans Law Logo

Groundbreaking Culture and Research at Your Fingertips                    

Learn more about the groundbreaking Center on Asian Americans and the Law, where Fordham students have access to seminars, special screenings, and workshops with some of the top minds in the field.

Professor Stephen Hong Sohn discusses Laura Gao’s “Messy Roots” graphic narrative at his installation ceremony in April 2023. Sohn is one of the faculty members who is a part of the Asian American studies minor. Photo by Chris Taggart.

A Global Program in a Global City                    

Take a deeper dive into how our Asian American studies program explores cultural questions while creating career opportunities for students.

Headshots of featured Fulbright scholars

A Prestigious Fulbright and a Career in Service                    

Natalie Woo’s combination of English, music, and Asian American studies led her to a Fulbright scholarship in Taiwan, where she hopes to become more fluent in Mandarin and gain experience toward a meaningful career in social work and law.

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Asian American Studies Program FAQ

  • At Fordham, you can pair your interest in Asian American studies with almost any of our 70+ majors and minors to graduate with a degree that helps you stand out in the job market. In your courses, you’ll explore how race, gender, and capital intersect—themes that can enhance your perspective across a range of possible majors—from English to economics, psychology to chemistry.

  • You’ll be able to take a wide variety of courses to meet your minor requirements, covering topics including Asian American Art, Representing Asians in Journalism and Media, and Seeing Stories: Reading Race and Graphic Narratives.

  • Students gain a knowledge base and a skill set valuable for careers in areas such as law, education, social work, healthcare, government, journalism, human rights, and community organizing.

  • Our students intern at places like the Asian American Writers’ Workshop, Kundiman, the Museum of Chinese in America, Pan-Asian Repertory Theatre, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office and the United Nations, and many others across NYC.

  • At Fordham, you’ll use AI as a tool to enhance your learning. Our program will equip you with the skills to navigate the ever-changing landscape of AI in the workforce. As an Asian American studies minor, you might use AI to analyze large data sets to strengthen your research and organizational skills.

    You’ll also be able to earn credentials and paid micro-internships through IBM SkillsBuild’s Getting Started with AI course. All Fordham students and graduates have access to AI training through RamConnect, the University’s alumni and experiential learning platform.

    Above all, you’ll learn skills that can’t be replaced by AI, such as critical thinking, creativity, emotional intelligence, and integrity.

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